cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many people are sensitive to the smell of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, no matter the cooking method. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025

Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family (along with broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale), and are known for their high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2025

In the morning, Shannon uses her Sur Le Table suitcase to make breakfast for everyone, including some muffins made with egg whites and hash browns made from cauliflower rice. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025

Serve over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to complete your healthy meal. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers